Dishes to Fight Old Man Winter

No one (least of all the TV weather-watchers) predicted that the northeast US would get socked with a huge snowstorm before Halloween. When cold weather hits we'd all like to follow the birds and fly to Florida. But, most of us can't take our jobs on the road so we have to do the next best thing- fire up the stove to cook winter dishes that'll warm us from the inside out.

Cooking for winter is easier than you think. Focus on soups and stews that can simmer for hours on the stove. The best thing about these dishes is that they often taste better and better as leftovers because the flavors continue to concentrate. Another thing we love about winter dishes is that they use great ingredients missing for the rest of the year like chestnuts, pomegranate, apples and cinnamon. Wash it all down with some warm, spiced apple cider and you're back in business!

To help you plan the perfect winter dinner menu, we revved up the FoodPair Recipe Search Engine and built a complete menu from appetizer to dessert.

Winter Squash Crostini
Start your winter meal in style with these tasty crostini.
Ingredients: olive oil, shallot, salt, black pepper, butternut squash, baguette, almond butter

Favourite Winter Salad
Jamie Oliver delivers a great salad with watercress and halloumi.
Ingredients: anchovies, creme fraiche, olive oil, little gem lettuce, watercress, fennel, halloumi cheese, pomegranate

Roasted Squash Soup with Chestnut Puree
This classic winter soup is hearty and delicious.
Ingredients: butternut squash, chicken stock, chestnut puree, heavy cream, brandy, olive oil, salt and pepper

Spiced Lamb Stew with Walnuts & Pomegranate
It's hard to beat candy apples with a twist.
Ingredients: lamb shoulder, flour, red onion, celery, garlic, cinnamon, walnuts, bay leaves, pomegranate

Apple Cider Pie
Finish it all off with a delicious apple pie.
Ingredients: pie crust, apple cider, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, apples, egg, pumpkin-pie spice


You have the colorful Halloween recipes, now all you need is a costume!

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